Steel buildings are widely acknowledged for their durability, flexibility and sustainability. They are also considered as a cheaper alternative to traditional wood or brick frame building, not to mention that they are renowned for their ease of installation and minimal upkeep. Due to their structural simplicity along with their outstanding quality and characteristics, steel buildings are expected to become more popular among builders and buyers alike in the coming years.

If you are planning to have a barn, garage, warehouse, or hangar built, you have probably considered steel frame building as an option. However, since this can be considered as a major build, you are probably concerned about the amount that you have to shell out to have a steel building. For this reason, it is worth understanding the associated costs involved in having a steel building built.

Initial Outlay and Building Cost

When you attempt to estimate the real cost of a steel building, there are several factors that could affect its actual price. First, of course, concerns the style and size of the building. Usually a residential scale arch style building (as seen on sheds and single car garages) with a floor space of approximately 20 meters may range anywhere from £2000 and £3000. On the other hand, a rigid frame or straight-walled steel building, which is a popular choice due to its sturdiness, may range between £50 and £100 per square meter, not including the supportive braces and girders. Of course, the price will vary depending on the size of the building – the bigger the floor space, the pricier it gets.

Aside from the style and size, other factors that can affect the overall price include planning permission fees, labor and delivery costs and accessories. Location and foundation are two additional considerations that could add up to the total amount of the build. You also have to leave a little wiggle room in your budget for unexpected additional expenses that may arise during the installation of the steel building.

Long-term costs

The above mentioned estimates can be a bit discouraging, especially if you are trying to work on a tight budget. However, while the initial outlay might be expensive, you should also factor in the benefits you can get when you resort to using a steel building. For one, the ease of installation will significantly reduce fix site costs and equipment rentals that usually happen in a traditional build. Likewise, since the building can be completed within a day or two, few laborers can do the job, cutting back on the labor costs. You will also be able to immediately use the structure for business or rental purposes.

As a steel building is designed with accuracy and high quality components that could withstand a wide variety of elements, you do not have to worry about expensive upkeep and future repairs. You can also expect it to last for a very long time, unlike traditional or brick framed building that easily deteriorates, demanding part replacements.